Tuesday 22 January 2008

We are calling for the reduction of Europe's domestic emissions by at least 30% in comparison to 1990 levels.

A commitment to less ambitious targets could significantly lower chances that global warming will remain remaining below the 2ºC tipping point that would trigger catastrophic climate change.

Effective strategy
WWF believes that the following issues will play a vital role in ensuring Europe produces an effective energy package:

1. Timing
   
   WWF asks that the European Parliament and the Council deal with the various proposals presented by the European Commission separately and not as a 'package', to prevent long delays.
   
   "To address the urgency of climate change and commitments towards citizens, we need a fast-track approach. The earlier the EU can show it is reducing its climate pollution and move to the renewable energies path, the better for the international debate," says Stephan Singer, Head of European Climate and Energy Unit at WWF.
2. Emissions trading
   
   The Commission will amend the current Emissions Trading Scheme and propose how the EU carbon market should operate after 2012.
   
   WWF believes that the 2020 cap for sectors covered by the scheme must be in line with a 30% per cent emissions reduction within Europe.
   
   In addition, WWF urges that at least a further 15% of emission reductions in developing countries are financed by Europe.
   
   This could be achieved through the purchase of good quality carbon credits ('Gold Standard') by European industries from developing countries, emissions trading, technology transfer and direct funding.
3. Renewable energy/biofuels
   
   In March 2007, the European Council agreed that 20% of all energy consumed in the EU should come from renewable sources by 2020.
   
   WWF strongly supports this objective, which should be encompassed in the renewable energies directive. Currently the renewable energy share in the EU amounts to only 7%, so the achievement of such a target requires bold steps.